Best Mamie Kanfer Stewart Podcasts (2025)

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363: The Surprising Science of Great Leadership Revealed with Margaret Moore and Jeffrey Hull 35:47

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1d ago35:47

35:47

Leadership can feel overwhelming, especially when the world around you is constantly changing. But what if small, science-backed changes in how you lead could create a bigger impact than you ever imagined? This week’s guests will explore key findings from their research on the nine science-based traits of effective leadership, enabling us to become…

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Workplace wild west: AI, return-to-office, and DEI shifts with Jaime Klein 24:51

1d ago24:51

24:51

In the final installment of our series of shorter form interviews, Rachel speaks with Jaime Klein, founder and CEO of Inspire HR. They dive into the transformative impact of AI on HR practices, drawing parallels to the early adoption phase of the internet. Jaime shares insights into how companies are integrating AI at various levels, from applicant…

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Implementing a pilot approach to drive organizational change with Brett Underhill 17:48

9d ago17:48

17:48

In the third installment of our series of shorter form interviews, Rachel sits down with Brett Underhill, who heads up talent acquisition and learning and development at Taboola. They discuss the benefits of using a pilot approach to implement changes and initiatives within an organization. Brett shares insights into setting up a pilot, including c…

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362: Delegate with Confidence in 4 Simple Steps with Dallas Burnett 32:23

9d ago32:23

32:23

Do you feel like you’re drowning in your task list? You know delegation is important. You know your team wants to contribute. But still, something holds you back—whether it’s fear of mistakes or the lack of time to explain things. You don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle. Joining me today is Dallas Burnett. Dallas is the founder and CEO of Perfor…

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The feedback fix: Grow your team, grow your career with Mike Jacobson 20:57

16d ago20:57

20:57

In the second of a series of shorter form interviews, Rachel sits down with Mike Jacobson, VP of People Operations at Steno. They discuss why traditional feedback methods often fall short and how to create a more effective system for career growth. Mike shares insights on building customized learning environments that incentivize genuine engagement…

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361: Transform Your Strategy at Every Level with the 3 As Framework with Rich Horwath 30:23

16d ago30:23

30:23

Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions at work, unsure about the exact strategy to guide your decisions? This episode will change that. In the business world, the word “strategy” is quite the buzzword. But what does it really mean to think and lead strategically? And what can you do as a manager to get better at it? If you want…

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Trust and engagement: Alex Salas's HR insights on employee sucess 19:23

23d ago19:23

19:23

In the first of a series of shorter form interviews we're releasing in June, Rachel sits down with Alex Salas, Assistant Chief People Officer at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and head of the NYC SHRM chapter. They discuss key strategies for improving employee experience, the competitive talent landscape, the importance of trust, le…

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360: How to Train Your Brain to Speak Better in Any Setting with Ruth Milligan 31:48

23d ago31:48

31:48

You’re in a team meeting, someone starts talking… and keeps talking. They lose their train of thought, fill the air with “likes” and “ums”, and before long, the point is lost. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. Because here’s the truth: verbal communication isn’t innate—it’s a learned skill. And this week’s guest has spent 35 years helping peopl…

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Sustaining momentum in the battle against burnout 8:29

30d ago8:29

8:29

Burnout doesn’t end with one big fix. Here’s how to build real, lasting relief by trading perfection for momentum—one reset, one decision, one human moment at a time. Check out all four episodes in this special series on this Spotify playlist. Find a transcript for this episode here: https://modern-mentor.simplecast.com/episodes/sustaining-momentum…

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359: Why Meaningful Relationships Are Your Superpower (And How To Build Them) with David Homan 33:14

30d ago33:14

33:14

What if the most valuable thing you can build in your career isn’t a product, a strategy, or even a list of accolades—but a community? We all know relationships matter. Yet most of us haven’t been taught how to build them with real intention. Today’s guest is here to help you and your team rethink what’s possible when we shift from collecting conta…

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Let activation be your burnout antidote 10:07

1M ago10:07

10:07

You're not "either burned out or not burned out." Healing is a gradual process of chipping away at what drains you. Join Rachel Cooke, your Modern Mentor and founder of Lead Above Noise, in Part 3 of our burnout series. We move beyond simply identifying the problem and begin to rebuild with intention. Discover the Activation framework – Deliver, De…

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358: How to Win at Work Without Paying the Price with Dana L. Cox 32:26

1M ago32:26

32:26

We celebrate the wins. The promotions. The milestones. But no one talks about the price tag that comes with constantly performing at a high level. For Dana L. Cox, that price came quietly—missed family moments, sleepless nights, and a level of exhaustion that no amount of caffeine could fix. She calls it the “success tax”—the hidden costs we pay in…

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We’ve handed managers an impossible job 9:12

1M ago9:12

9:12

Managers are burning out—not just from doing too much, but from carrying too many roles that were never meant to be theirs. Let’s name the burden and start letting go of what was never yours to hold. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickand…

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357: What Every New Manager Must Do in Their First 45 Days with James Turk 32:37

1M ago32:37

32:37

You’ve just stepped into a new manager role—congratulations! Now what? The first few weeks can feel like a whirlwind. One day you’re a high-performing individual contributor, and the next, you’re expected to lead a team, set direction, and navigate complex dynamics—all while still figuring out what kind of leader you want to be. Thankfully, today’s…

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Fixing burnout begins with understanding burnout 10:14

2M ago10:14

10:14

Team challenges can feel overwhelming to tackle head-on. Here’s how leaders in a recent Activation Bootcamp found ways to infuse small but meaningful relief into their teams—without trying to fix everything. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@…

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356: Escape the Distraction Trap Before It Drains You with Marcey Rader 32:05

2M ago32:05

32:05

Have you ever sat down to work, only to be pulled in a dozen directions—emails, Slack messages, endless browser tabs—all demanding your attention? You’re not alone. All the technological advancements have made it almost impossible to focus. But what if it didn’t have to be this way? Fortunately, this week’s guest is here to share with us how you ca…

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355: Elevate Your Influence as a Manager Monday to Monday with Stacey Hanke 30:43

2M ago30:43

30:43

Do you feel like your team isn’t really listening to you? It might be time to rethink your influence. Many managers assume authority is enough. But real leadership—motivating people to take action—comes from influence. And this week’s guest believes that one of the most powerful ways to build it is by strengthening your communication skills. Today’…

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Sustaining progress: Rethinking DEI for the next generation of work with Lily Zheng 44:48

2M ago44:48

44:48

Rachel sits down with DEI strategist Lily Zheng for a candid conversation on the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. They explore why real progress depends on focusing less on performative programs and more on outcomes that drive lasting change. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecas…

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How to repair fractured relationships at work 9:10

2M ago9:10

9:10

Some work relationships feel easy. And some… don’t. When a relationship feels rocky—even without a big conflict—there’s a path to a more collegial working relationships, even if you never become best friends. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor…

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354: The Do’s and Don’ts of Using AI Tools at Work with Theresa Fesinstine 27:18

2M ago27:18

27:18

Are you overwhelmed by the rapid rise of AI in the workplace? AI tools are already being used by managers and teams in various forms. But what are the risks that come with using them? Today’s guest believes that clear guidelines and educational training can help everyone use AI wisely without feeling restricted. Meet Theresa Fesinstine. Theresa is …

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353: How to Be a More Inclusive Leader with Kelli Lester 31:28

2M ago31:28

31:28

Are you struggling to get your team to perform at its best? Are you unsure about how to unlock the potential of each individual? This week’s guest says the key is inclusive leadership. Meet Kelli Lester. Kelli is co-founder and partner of Onyx Rising, a change management consulting firm specializing in individual, team, and organizational behavior …

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Making work more human with Bonnie Davis 35:06

2M ago35:06

35:06

Rachel sits down with Bonnie Davis, co-founder of HuWork, to answer your questions about building more human-centered workplaces. You’ll also hear how Bonnie and her co-founder built HuWork by combining their corporate experience, research, and coaching backgrounds along with why celebrating strengths is key to sustainable change. Have a question f…

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352: How to Create a Workplace that Truly Supports Working Parents with Dr. Anne Welsh 29:05

3M ago29:05

29:05

Being a working parent shouldn’t feel like a daily juggling act on the brink of disaster. If you truly want everyone on your team—parent or not—to thrive at work, you need a workplace that lets them show up as their best selves. And today’s guest is the perfect expert to discuss how to make work work for working parents. Today’s guest is Dr. Anne W…

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How to reignite your motivation when it dips 8:20

3M ago8:20

8:20

Everyone’s motivation dips sometimes. But when it does, we often default to the wrong solutions. Here’s how to get curious, not critical, and reignite your inner spark in some of the most common situations. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or su…

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351: How to Master Your Time and Crush Your Goals Without Burnout with Andrew Hartman 33:35

3M ago33:35

33:35

Ever felt like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done? You’re not alone—managers know this struggle well. Fortunately, today’s guest has the time mastery secrets to help us take control of our time. Meet Andrew Hartman. Andrew is the founder of Time Boss, a training organization helping leaders and their teams master their week…

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So you wanna DIY a team offsite... 9:17

3M ago9:17

9:17

You want to run an offsite for you team. You're craving the connection, the alignment, the levity and the action plan. You just don't know where to begin. Well, it's here. You begin here. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]…

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350: Why Validation is the Missing Key to Stronger Relationships at Work with Caroline Fleck 31:17

3M ago31:17

31:17

How do you make your team members feel truly seen and heard at work? It’s a common struggle for many managers, but this week’s guest says there’s something even more powerful than praising your team. Joining me today is Dr. Caroline Fleck. Caroline is a licensed psychologist, corporate consultant, and an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at Stanford Univ…

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The power of empathy in leadership with Jerry Colonna 43:23

3M ago43:23

43:23

In this insightful conversation, executive coach Jerry Colonna joins The Modern Mentor Podcast to explore the transformative power of empathy in leadership. He shares lessons from his work with top executives, his experiences with Startup Podcast, and his perspective on fostering belonging in the workplace. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. …

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349: Turn Dull Virtual Meetings into High-Impact Sessions (On-Air Coaching Session with Jill Molee) 29:12

3M ago29:12

29:12

Have you ever left a virtual meeting thinking, “That could’ve been an email.”? Today’s guest used to feel the same. Meet Jill Molee. Jill is the Director of Counseling & College Advisor at College Prep 360. I’ve been lucky to have Jill as a client and I’m grateful she was willing to experiment with me for this on-air coaching call. As the director …

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How to solve workplace problems by focusing on success 9:06

3M ago9:06

9:06

Tired of always fixing what’s broken? What if instead, you focused on what’s working well and built from there? Today, we’re talking about using an Appreciative Inquiry approach to problem-solving in the workplace. Let’s shift from frustration to forward momentum. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Hav…

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348: Master Collaboration and Leadership Using Improv Techniques with Joel Zeff 34:49

4M ago34:49

34:49

Most workplaces focus too much on structure and not enough on fun. But what if the secret to a thriving team was something unexpected—like improv? Fortunately, today’s guest is here to break down everything you need to know about improv and how it can benefit you and your team. Meet Joel Zeff. Joel creates energy. His spontaneous humor and vital me…

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Feeling the slump? 7 easy ways to reignite workplace morale 9:49

4M ago9:49

9:49

Low morale seems to be rampant in the workplace today. So many people are feeling it - without a sense of empowerment (or budget) to change it for the better. But there are plenty of no-cost ways to drive morale in the right direction. Today let’s talk about 7 of my favorites. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Si…

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Finding your creative spark: AJ Jacobs on curiosity, gratitude & reinvention 48:05

4M ago48:05

48:05

Rachel welcomes bestselling author AJ Jacobs, known for his immersive "method writing" approach. They discuss how curiosity, gratitude, and risk-taking can reignite creativity and combat workplace burnout. From living biblically for a year to becoming the healthiest person alive, AJ shares how diving deep into new experiences fuels his work and how…

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347: 8 Toxic Thought Patterns That are Sabotaging You at Work (And How to Stop Them) with Cynthia Pong 34:00

4M ago34:00

34:00

We all have thought patterns that work against us—whether it’s feeling like an imposter, overextending ourselves at work, or assuming the worst in situations. Today’s guest breaks down eight negative mindsets that prevent professionals from thriving. Meet Cynthia Pong. Cynthia is an award-winning executive coach and speaker who empowers women of co…

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The power of kind leadership with Linda Cohen 32:36

4M ago32:36

32:36

What does kindness really mean in a business context, and how can it drive retention, culture, and success? Linda Cohen, The Kindness Catalyst, joins the Modern Mentor podcast to explore the tangible impact of kindness in leadership, how it differs from simply being nice, and actionable strategies to create a more engaged and motivated workforce. Y…

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346: Elevate Your Virtual Communication with Science-Backed Strategies with Andrew Brodsky 30:59

4M ago30:59

30:59

Do you realize how important virtual communications are to your team’s effectiveness? Except for in-person meetings, all our communications with our colleagues happen virtually. This is true whether you’re fully remote, hybrid, or even in-office. But what if you could communicate clearly and authentically every time, no matter the virtual method? T…

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How to get your ideas truly heard at work 7:38

4M ago7:38

7:38

Ever feel like your ideas get ignored while someone else says the same thing and gets immediate buy-in? It’s not about speaking louder—it’s about how you position your idea. Here’s how to get people to listen—and act—on what you have to say. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern…

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345: The Shocking Truth About High-Performing Teams with David Burkus 33:01

4M ago33:01

33:01

You’ve probably heard that hiring the best talent is the key to building a high-performing team. But what if that’s only half the truth? Thankfully, today’s guest will reveal what it really takes to build the best team ever. Today’s guest is David Burkus. One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David’s forward-thinking ideas and bestselling b…

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Authentic personal branding: How to stand out on LinkedIn with Danielle Hughes 33:35

4M ago33:35

33:35

Struggling to stand out on LinkedIn? Rachel welcomes Danielle Hughes, Chief Personality Officer, to discuss how to build a genuine personal brand without oversharing. She shares tips on how to showcase your personality professionally, make meaningful connections, and grow your career with confidence. For more information on Danielle's work... check…

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344: Enhancing Team Dynamics with The Power of DiSC with Jen Fox 36:42

4M ago36:42

36:42

Does your team struggle to collaborate effectively due to clashing personalities? Say no more. Today’s guest is here to dive deep into how you can enhance your team dynamics using DiSC. Meet Jen Fox. Jen has spent the last 25 years working inside and outside of global organizations, listening to employees, facilitating learning, and leading cultura…

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The 5 skills you need for success in today’s workplace 8:54

5M ago8:54

8:54

The world of work isn’t slowing down, and success isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Here are five essential skills to cultivate for sustained success in today’s workplace. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe t…

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343: The Real Reason People Leave Jobs (And How to Retain Your Best Employees) w/ Michael Horn 30:48

5M ago30:48

30:48

You’ve heard it before: “People don’t quit jobs; they quit bad bosses.” But is that really the whole story? Why do employees really leave their jobs? That’s exactly what we’ll answer today with our guest. Meet Michael Horn. Michael is the co-author of Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress In Your Career. Michael strives to create a world in which …

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Rethinking career progression: Beyond promotions 8:08

5M ago8:08

8:08

Employee engagement surveys often highlight frustration with career development. Here’s how to shift the conversation and create more satisfaction—without relying on promotions alone. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. F…

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342: The Power of Courageous Communication (and How to Unlock It) with Michelle Gladieux 36:30

5M ago36:30

36:30

Have you ever held back in a meeting, fearing how your words might be received? Fear often takes the driver’s seat in our communication, keeping us from building better relationships and unlocking new opportunities. But what if you could overcome those fears? This week’s guest is here to help you do just that. Meet Michelle Gladieux. Michelle is th…

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Easing, not solving, team challenges 7:33

5M ago7:33

7:33

Team challenges can feel overwhelming to tackle head-on. Here’s how leaders in a recent Activation Bootcamp found ways to infuse small but meaningful relief into their teams—without trying to fix everything. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@…

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341: How to Get Your Team to Do What You Ask with Steven Blue 30:52

5M ago30:52

30:52

Why do people often struggle to follow through on their responsibilities, even after they agree to do so in a meeting? Today’s guest is here to unpack this exact issue and offers practical solutions to help you and your team get things done. Meet Steven Blue. Steven is the CEO of Miller Ingenuity, which creates high technology products that save li…

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Burned out? 5 things to stop doing now 8:24

5M ago8:24

8:24

Burnout isn’t just about working too much. It’s also about working in the wrong ways. Here are five things to stop doing now to reclaim your energy and focus. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern Mentor on Face…

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340: Effortlessly Boost Your Writing Skills with This Simple Framework with Davina Stanley 33:24

5M ago33:24

33:24

How often do you send an email only to spend hours clarifying it later? Or find yourself rewriting a team member’s work to get it “right”? Mastering written communication–whether in emails, reports, proposals, or Slack messages–is more important than ever given how we collaborate today. Thankfully, today’s guest is here to share the ins and outs of…

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Use an entrepreneurial approach to achieving success this year 8:15

6M ago8:15

8:15

Success doesn’t come from waiting for the stars to align—it comes from taking action. Here’s how to channel your inner entrepreneur to create your best year yet. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at [email protected]. Find Modern Mentor on F…

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339: Lead Smarter by Increasing Your Emotional Intelligence with Roberta Fernandez 33:20

6M ago33:20

33:20

When it comes to leadership, emotional intelligence often gets overlooked. For years, the American work culture has emphasized suppressing emotions in the workplace. But times are changing. Today, emotional intelligence is as crucial as any leadership skill–if not the most essential. Our guest is here to show us why it matters and how to manage our…